The Southwest’s largest gathering of zombies will return to Downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Oct. 29.
That’s right. Zombie Walk is back. This time with new blood.
With the help of co-producing charitable partner Arizona Hemophilia Association (AHA) and downtown’s Warehouse District, Zombie Walk has been brought back to life.
AHA stepped in to revive this beloved community event after Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) announced its cancellation in May.
Admission to the popular family-friendly event, which last year attracted 20,000 attendees, will be free with a $5 donation benefiting AHA.
In addition to a new event site, route and co-producer, Zombie Walk 8 will also add a ticketed, adults-only Pub Crawl that will push the zombie horde into Downtown Phoenix bars and restaurants in search of discounted (and non-human) food and drink. Sales of commemorative Pub Crawl wristbands will benefit AHA.
“We wanted to bring Zombie Walk back but it had to be the right fit,” said DPI President and CEO David Krietor. “This reimagined event highlights the family-friendly components that have made Zombie Walk so successful — things like the makeup stations, costume contest and of course the walk — while supporting local charities doing impactful things in our community. We’re also excited that this year’s event will activate our emerging Warehouse District and downtown bars and restaurants.”
For the AHA, which is headquartered downtown, joining forces with Zombie Walk will raise much-needed funding and awareness about their organization and those people living with inherited bleeding disorders.
“This is a great opportunity for our organization to partner with a well-established event in our own neighborhood,” said AHA CEO Cindy Komar. “We’re very excited to help bring this unique tradition back from the dead.”
Additional details about Zombie Walk 8 are still developing but the timeline on Oct. 29 will be roughly as follows:
4 p.m. – Gates open
5:30 p.m. – Zombie Walk through the Warehouse District
7:30 p.m. – Costume contest
8 p.m. – Walk concludes, Pub Crawl begins
Many more Zombie Walk 8 announcements, including a website with additional resources, will be coming soon. So stay tuned!